Fractured

Chapter 4 - Initial Contact

I was up around 5 the next morning, unable to sleep any longer. I was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement! I was going to be able to spend the entire day at the aquarium and not feel guilty for being a big kid at heart! The aquarium combined my love of exotic marine life and my insatiable need to people watch, all in the one place. It was the only place I could spend hours at and still feel like there was still more to see and learn!

I took my time in the shower, in attempt to calm myself, making sure I used the time to thoroughly wash my hair while in there. Once dried, I put on the outfit Gabe had set out the night before. I made a cup of instant coffee while debating how to do my makeup. The second I tasted the coffee, I regretted making it and remembered why I started buying my coffee every day, hint, it wasn't just to observe the people around me. I decided it was a sign to go without the makeup, instead opting for a touch of lip-gloss as I headed out the door.

I arrived at the aquarium early and it seemed that security wasn't ready for me, instead leaving me to wander while they worked out what was going on. Eventually Roy, a security guard no much older than I, escorted me through the staff only doors and down to Axel's laboratory, pointing out the emergency exits on the way. I didn't have the heart to tell him that I knew the layout of this place better than he did. It was always an advantage to be completely aware of your surroundings.

Roy knocked on the door to Axel's lab before walking away, leaving me standing there to meet Axel alone. I don't know what I expected, but the photo's Uncle Phil gave me must have been out of date and taken by a really bad photographer, because this tall drink of water standing in front of me was definitely far more handsome than in his photos showed.

He was so tall I had to look up to make eye contact, but when I did, oh man! His dark, almond shaped eyes held me captivated, and the way his hair framed his face, with some parts falling out of his low ponytail, only made him look all the more refined. He had moved his black-rimmed glasses sit on top of his head when he answered the door, which had accentuated his bicep through his shirt.

I don't know what made me think this mission would be easy, but if all of the Toma team were this attractive in person, I would be in big trouble – not that I would ever admit it. I loved a good challenge!

"Good morning, Alexandria. It is a pleasure to finally meet you!" His smoky rich tones pulled me back into the room and his comment left me wondering how much more information Phil had given him, without telling me. "Come on in and take a look around. This is our lab and where you will be spending a lot of your time.

We use the tank in the middle to look after wounded marine life until they are well enough to be moved into one of the main tanks. You should also get yourself familiar with the equipment you see lining the walls. We will use them for a variety of things, but probably most importantly to ensure the water remains optimum for our guests. While you are acquainting yourself with the room, I have a couple of emails to answer, if you don't mind looking around here without me?"

A small smile teased his lips. He wanted to see how comfortable I would be in here. "There is an additional exit through that door over there" He gestured to the doorway behind his desk. "Should something happen and you are unable to exit through the main door to this lab, you can use that one to get into the room next door and exit from there."

Safety first, I thought to myself.

"It is wonderful to meet you, too, Axel! Thank you for affording me the opportunity to work with you here. And please call me Andy; I only ever got Alexandria when I was in trouble. Now when I hear it, I am instantly in panic mode trying to figure out what I've done wrong."

"Andy" he whispered. I think he was going to say more, but movement caught my eye in the centre tank and my attention diverted. I turned toward the tank and Caught Axel's smile in his reflection. He was pleased.